Burn 101

Your introductory course to burn basics.

Superior burn care

If not treated properly, burn injuries can get worse and affect the way you look and live your day-to-day life. Our Regional Burn Center provides all the services you need, from the time you’re admitted to the hospital through your period of recovery.

What are burns?

Burns are a type of traumatic injury caused by thermal, electrical, chemical or radioactive agents. Most burn accidents occur at home, followed by burn accidents at work. More than 2 million burn injuries occur each year in the U.S., resulting in 100,000 to 300,000 hospitalizations.

An open flame is the leading cause of burn injury for adults, while scalding is the leading cause of burn injury for children. Both infants and the elderly are at the greatest risk for burn injury.

What are the different types of burns?

A burn injury usually results from an energy transfer to the body. There are many types of burns caused by thermal, radiation, chemical or electrical contact.

• Thermal burns – burns due to external heat sources that raise the temperature of the skin and tissues and cause tissue cell death or charring. Hot metals, scalding liquids, steam and flames (when coming in contact with the skin) can cause thermal burns.
• Radiation burns – burns due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, or to other sources of radiation such as X-rays.
• Chemical burns – burns due to strong acids, alkalies, detergents or solvents coming into contact with the skin and/or eyes.
• Electrical burns – burns from electrical current, either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

What are the classifications of burns?

Burns are classified as first-, second- or third-degree, depending on how deep and severe they penetrate the skin’s surface.

• First-degree (superficial) burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually consists of an increase or decrease in the skin color.
• Second-degree (partial thickness) burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
• Third-degree (full thickness) burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. Third-degree burns may also damage the underlying bones, muscles and tendons. The burn site appears white or charred. There is no sensation in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

Burns affecting 10 percent of a child’s body and those affecting 15 to 20 percent of an adult’s body are considered to be major injuries and require hospitalization and extensive rehabilitation.

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